James

In the James study we will study the First five chapters of James

Yes, James is an interesting man to study.  As fellow Christians, we could all learn a lot about James by simply reading the Book of James.  

We pray that this Book of James Bible study blesses you and inspires you to become more like the man James admired most, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Chapter 1

Read James Chapter 1

• James addresses his readers as the twelve tribes. What are two other ways he addresses them here in James chapter 1?

• One's a term of affection and the other's a vision of what they should become.

• In James chapter 1 verse 2 we're told to consider it pure joy when we're surrounded by temptations.

• Why can’t God be tempted?

• The two possible consequences of our temptations as provided here in are a crown of life (verse 12) and death (verse 15). Consider the instruction we receive in James chapter 1 verses 5 through 8. Rewrite in your own words how one acquires wisdom based on this instruction.

• What's the lesson of James chapter 1 verses 9, 10 and 11? How can one who's poor be proud and one who is rich be humble?

• What's meant by the term “first-fruits” in verse 18?

Chapter 2

Read James Chapter 2

• What is it about man that makes us uncomfortable with situations such as this? Why do we show partiality based on outward appearances? Why do we make assumptions and judge people by what we see? Read Luke 18:10-14.

• Does the story Jesus tells in this scripture provide an idea or clue as to the reason that we might not treat others the same? What is it?

• Do you wear your best available clothing for church services? Do you pay more attention to what you wear to church compared to other events? Why or why not?

• In James Chapter 2 the author reminds his readers (who were typically poor) that the rich are exploiting them, dragging them to court, and slandering the noble name of Jesus Christ. Is James encouraging his poor brethren to disrespect the rich members of the assembly? Why or why not?

Chapter 3

Read James Chapter 3

• James includes himself as teacher in verse 1 and states that teachers will be judged more strictly. Why should teachers be judged more severely? Does a reading of Mark 12:38-40 give us any insight?

• What are the descriptions and the dangers of the tongue that we see in James Chapter 3 verses 6 and 8?

• Exam your life. Could you make a list of the top ten regrettable things you have said to other people? Why was it regrettable? Why do we say these things?

• What are the great things we can do to please God with our mouths and with our tongues or speech? List five.

• In the last five verses of James Chapter 3 the author contrasts the wisdom of man with the Wisdom of God. Compare the wisdom of God and the wisdom of man in these verses.

• What's the result of Godly wisdom we see in James Chapter 3 verse 18?

Chapter 4

Read James Chapter 4

• Lust and the results of lust is the theme or main idea of James Chapter 4 verses 1 through 5. What's the theme of verses 6 through 10?

• How does the theme of lust in James Chapter 4 verses 1 through 5 relate to the theme or main idea of verses 6 through 10?

• James tells us not to slander one another in verse 11 and that when we judge our brothers or sisters we are judging the law. He says this is wrong for us to slander and judge one another.

• As Christians are we never to judge actions or behavior of others? Can we judge others and yet not sin? What about the judges in our civil and criminal court systems and Christians on jury duty; do they sin when carrying out these duties?

• What exactly is the evil James speaks of in verses 13 through 16? Why is this evil?

• Is James saying in verse 17 that we can sin by not doing something?

Chapter 5

Read James Chapter 5

• How do the first five verses of James Chapter 5 fit with the last five verses of James Chapter 4?

• In chapter two James was speaking to the poor about the rich, but now James is addressing the rich directly in this last chapter. What's the main point of verses 1-5? Is it the same message Jesus provided in Luke 12, verse 15-22?

• Analyze verses 2 and 3. What did the rich do with their wealth that was wrong and sinful?

• Read the parable Jesus tells in Luke 12:16-31. What advice can we glean from this so that we can avoid hoarding our wealth?

• How does the advice of verse 9 fit in the context of the chapter? Again and again James calls for control of one’s speech or tongue. We have seen a call for control of our speech in James 1:26, 2:12, 3:2-11, and 4:11. Finally he calls for control of our speech in verse twelve. Why does James emphasize this so much?